In reference to the question on when courts stopped appointing guardianships for children when the mother was still living, a few more people have written me privately. Some of you were interested in answers so am forwarding these replies. Possibly this will be of interest to others as well. Connie wrote: > > I can't answer your question specifically, except to say that in the > 1830-1840 time period, it is still possible (likely?) that the mother could > still be living. > > I know that in 1913 in Missouri, my grandfather had to have a guardian > appointed, even though his father was living, to inherit from his maternal > grandmother. (His mother was deceased in this case). He was old enough > (over 14) to choose his own guardian, and he chose his father. > > To answer the question specifically, you'd have to find a book on Ohio > legal history. If someone comes up with a better, specific answer, please > share with me and/or the list. > Carol wrote: > > I just looked up a guardianship this week in Preble Co Oh. Both parents > were dead the children age 15 yr and 13 yr in 1823. The interesting part > was that its stated that the children CHOSE their guardian. He wasn't > appointed. > Bob wrote: > > Cindy, In reply to your question about court ordered guardianships. > I found one in Holmes County in 1848. The youngest child was given to > the oldest sister instead of the step-mother. I found the information > in the court records at the Courthouse in Holmes County. They had to > haul down some old books but it was worth the effort on my part to be > persistent. Apparently, there was a bad outbreak of Cholera in the > late 1830's to mid 1840's in this area. A lot of people died and > their was some consolidation of families. > Mary wrote: > > My great great grandfather died in 1874 and his unborn son had a guardian > even though his mother was living and remarried prior to his birth, seems > odd but in 1874 what were you to do? I don't know if my gggrandfather lived > with this quardian or not, found this info when this son's grandfather died > in 1880. This was in Clinton/Highland counties. Not sure of this > guardianship either keep me informed please. > Judy wrote: > > To see when children stopped needing a Guardian when their > Father died and their Mother survived, you will need to check that > state's probate law. The changes in "femme coveture" were slow > and in roughly the eras 1840-1890. > Sounds like there is NO simple answer to the question! Thanks to those who replied. Cindy Kimes